Dungeon – Floor 11
"Finally, Floor 11~!"
Welf, greatsword strapped to his back, raised his arms in a pose, shouting words he had dreamed of for months with childlike excitement.
Not far behind him, Aether casually hefted a bag in one hand, slipping a slightly worn prototype of the Universal Shovel inside.
"Testing complete."
Turning his head, he addressed the tall figure walking beside him.
"Overall, just as I estimated. The mass-produced version of the Universal Shovel, cast with ordinary materials, works fine up through Floor 10. If the user's strong enough, the mountaineering-pick design of the riveted hammer head can even pierce a Killer Ant's shell.
But… go head-to-head more than three to five times, and the tip will likely chip. Still, it's replaceable.
As for other monsters, aside from large ones like Orcs, the shovel doubles as a decent axe against goblins or earth spirits. Feels pretty good when chopping, too.
Fold the blade into a small shield, and it can block thrusting attacks from Needle Rabbits, Battle Shadows, even One-Eyed Toads.
After all the monsters I've run into on the way here, the overall wear's minimal.
Of course, no ordinary supporter, or even your average high-stat Level 1, would abuse it like I do."
After his report,
"So, as you planned, this shovel is meant mainly for the supporter crowd."
The tall figure, Ningguang, rested an elbow on her palm as she replied.
"From the looks of it, quality easily passes for that purpose. But if you make versions from higher-grade materials, those will be requested by mid-floor adventurers or large Familia, not common supporters."
She paused in thought, then nodded.
"Alright. I've got the picture. I'll help you draft a detailed plan for distribution. Expect good news from me soon."
The moment she finished speaking,
Ningguang vanished in place.
In her stead appeared a certain catgirl, Diona, wearing a very confused expression.
Aether didn't even flinch. He was used to this by now.
What he hadn't figured out yet, though, was the exact difference between Ningguang and the other Genshin projections.
Could it be tied to 'affection level'?
Did this Genshin System… actually carry over my game data from before I crossed over?
If that were true…
Then why didn't it carry over my full character collection?! Damn it!
Still, his grumbling was more playful than bitter.
Back when he'd first arrived in this world, the ridiculousness of the "starter mission" had almost made him ditch this golden cheat entirely. But now…
Yeah. Definitely worth it. Smells like victory.
The power the Genshin System provided him was undeniable.
It was the difference between top-tier cheater and mediocre at best.
Just then,
BOOM~
The ground split open.
It was Welf's first time reaching Floor 11. Judging by how he'd soloed a nearly three-meter-tall Orc with his greatsword on the way down, his stats placed him solidly in the upper half of Level 1s.
But stepping into the mid-floors…
"Whoa!"
From a short distance away, a creature curled up like a rolling boulder, a Hard Armadillo, sprang forward, spinning violently as it barreled straight at him.
Caught off guard after letting his guard down, Welf couldn't raise his weapon in time. He clumsily tried to dodge.
Too slow.
At that instant,
WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH~
Diona leapt back with a nimble flip, unleashing her Cryo Skill: Icy Paws.
Five glowing cat-paws flew out in graceful arcs, colliding midair with the charging monster. The impact staggered it, while a shimmering cryo shield wrapped around her small frame.
For reference: Diona was currently equipped with the 3★ bow Recurve Bow, refined to Rank 3. Its special effect restored 12% of her HP every time she defeated an enemy.
For an archer, this was already absurd.
If Loki Familia's famed Level 4 magic archer, Arcsia Forestlight, ever discovered such a weapon, she'd treat it as divine. Because all Genshin bows shared one overpowered trait: infinite arrows.
And now,
THUNK~
The five Icy Paws struck home, tearing open the Hard Armadillo's hide.
Diona followed up smoothly, drawing and firing a single arrow with practiced Hunter's Technique.
It pierced the beast's eye at a perfect angle, skewering its brain.
The creature collapsed, fading into dust.
Crisis averted.
"Thanks, kitty~" Welf called out.
"Hmph. No big deal." Diona sniffed proudly.
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